| Knee arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a common type of | | | | There are several treatments for osteoarthritis, from |
| arthritis that occurs when the cartilage of the joints | | | | simple exercise to possible surgery. It all depends on |
| in the knees progressively wears and tears away. It | | | | the severity of the case of the patient. Treatment |
| is also called degenerative joint disease. | | | | must be discussed appropriately with your doctor to |
| When an individual has knee arthritis, the cartilage | | | | determine what type of treatment must be used to |
| that protects the joints wears away, leaving the | | | | help relieve osteoarthritis. |
| bare bone in the joint exposed. Knee arthritis is | | | | Treatments include the following: |
| usually most common in patients that are 50 years of | | | | Weight Loss - this is the most common treatment |
| age and above. It is also common in patients that are | | | | prescribed by doctors and is also the most important. |
| overweight, in which weight loss is advised to reduce | | | | This helps greatly because the less weight that is put |
| the symptoms that they experience with | | | | on the joint, the less pain the individual will feel. |
| osteoarthritis. | | | | Use of Walking Aids - Patients are usually advised to |
| It has also been proven that knee arthritis is also | | | | use a cane or crutches so that less pressure will be |
| genetic and runs in the family. Other causes of | | | | put on the damaged joint. |
| osteoarthritis include bone fractures, knee trauma, | | | | Limiting Activities - When a patient is recovering from |
| and ligament damage. | | | | arthritis, it is best to limit some activities that |
| As with any other medical condition, the symptoms | | | | contribute to pressure on the knee. Oftentimes, |
| of knee arthritis tend to worsen as the condition | | | | exercise in the water is advised to help lessen the |
| itself worsens. Its symptoms however tend to | | | | strain on the knee, but still allow the patient to be |
| fluctuate and do not worsen at a steady manner. | | | | able to engage in activities. |
| The most common symptoms include: | | | | Physical Therapy - This is especially helpful so that |
| Knee stiffness | | | | the muscles around the knee joint will be stronger. |
| Pain and discomfort | | | | Also, physical therapy prevents atrophy of the |
| Limited range in movement | | | | muscles. |
| Swelling and soreness | | | | Cortisone Injection - This helps in reducing the pain as |
| Deformity of the joints | | | | well as the inflammation that may be present in the |
| If you have are experiencing any of these | | | | damaged joint. |
| symptoms, it is best to get a physical examination as | | | | Anti-Inflammatory Medicines - These prescription |
| well as X-rays from your doctor. These tests will help | | | | medications help to alleviate the pain and decrease |
| to evaluate the progression of your arthritis. | | | | the inflammation in the joints. |